South Carolina town pushes for mandatory tags for pets

In an effort to ensure fewer animals are lost, Olar, South Carolina, is enacting a pet care rule that will require all pet owners to purchase a tag for their animal so they can be returned if they’re picked up by animal control officers.

Councilman Dickie Dickert, who also volunteers his time as the town’s dogcatcher, was in favor of the motion, as it would make it easier for animal control officials to differentiate strays from pets, according to The Times and Democrat.

"We have a lot of problems with dogs," Dickert said during the meeting. "One person has been bit, and several others cant go in their yard without being chased."

Owners would be subjected to a fine if they had a pet without a tag, however, the amount is yet to be determined. The fee for tags would be $5 a year per pet.

Several organizations throughout the country have pushed for a law that mandates pets have a microchip implanted under their skin so it can be easier to track down the owners.

Pet insurance coverage offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC is underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company or Independence American Insurance Company, a Delaware insurance company.